grindstone

noun grind·stone \ ˈgrīn(d)-ˌstōn \

Updated on: 2 Apr 2018

Definition of grindstone

1 : millstone 1

2 : a flat circular stone of natural sandstone that revolves on an axle and is used for grinding, shaping, or smoothing

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Recent Examples of grindstone from the Web

Among their findings: assorted tools for processing ochre, such as grindstones, and a limestone pebble with ochre residue on one side.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "Pigment of Our Imagination," 23 Mar. 2018
The Irish didn’t suddenly calm down, put down the Guinness, put their noses to the grindstone and work their way into an exclusive club.

— michael harriot, The Root, "When the Irish Weren’t White," 17 Mar. 2018
Next week, Lipinski will find out whether his centrist, nose-to the-grindstone approach still resonates with voters.

— jeffrey mervis, Science | AAAS, "Science ‘champion’ Dan Lipinski faces tough race in Illinois primary," 14 Mar. 2018
The site’s Jonathan Swan saw the president’s schedule for one recent day, including 5½ hours of executive time in a workday that ended at 4:15 p.m. On the face of it, that doesn’t suggest the president always has his nose to the grindstone.

— philip bump, Washington Post, "Americans think Trump doesn't work as hard as most presidents," 17 Jan. 2018
Effort and a nose-to-the-grindstone attitude, on the other hand, are readily available to everybody.

— ana veciana-suarez, miamiherald, "More students get A’s than any other grade. What does that say about us?," 27 July 2017
Sakic also needs to combat his image, fair or otherwise, as stopping short of putting in the nose-to-the-grindstone hours and immersion necessary for NHL front-office success, whether from a Hall of Famer or a guy who never played in the league.

— terry frei, The Denver Post, "Frei: Avalanche can make changes without cleaning house," 18 Sep. 2014
Seniors playing on either side of the football played their final Grindstone game at Baldwin Wallace College's Finney Stadium in the autumn of 2012.

— rich heileman, cleveland.com, "Berea, Midpark football trophy vanishes: Around The Town," 16 June 2017
Avoid disapproval and censure by keeping your nose to the grindstone.

— jeraldine saunders, The Mercury News, "Horoscopes: May 16, 2017," 16 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grindstone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.